young girl in the library reading a copy of The Night Before Pride

create & celebrate a nation of diverse readers

Let's read and grow together with 12 months of recommended books, authors, and teaching resources that promote diversity and inclusion.

Juana Medina addressed students at a Read Across America event

“There's that possibility of finding ourselves within the pages and recognizing ourselves or getting a better understanding of other people around us through the stories that we read.”

Quote by: Juana Medina, author of "Juana and Lucas"

Post this Third Graders Celebrate Read Across America

December 2024

Foster Confidence

Books of the month:

Elementary

Piper Chen Sings

by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran

Piper, who loves to sing, accepts a solo at her school's Spring Sing, but when her confidence wavers, she turns to her năi nai to help ease her doubts and worries.

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Middle Grade

Simon B. Rhymin’

Chicago fifth-grader Simon, who dreams of being a world-famous rapper one day, finds the confidence he needs to use his voice to become an ally for those in his community who are experiencing homelessness.

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Young Adult

Black Girl You Are Atlas

by Renée Watson

In this semi-autobiographical collection, Renée Watson uses a variety of poetic forms to encourage young readers to embrace their future with a strong sense of sisterhood and celebration.

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Celebrate the joy of reading this month with these featured articles and resources.

young girl in glasses sits and reads a picture book at library

African American Authors Booklist

This booklist of 100 wonderful Black authors, illustrators, and poets can help introduce readers to some of the many African American creators who are celebrated in the field of children’s literature and tell important truths and stories that captivate kids.

View the list Find titles in your local library

The “Multiverse” of the Science of Reading

With 40 states and D.C. establishing laws and policies around evidence-based instruction, the Science of Reading continues to be a trending topic in education.

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Teachers! Learn about 2024's Top Starred Review Books for Class!

Discover the most acclaimed reads of the year and bring the magic of storytelling to your classroom.

Learn More!

High school student reading graphic novel in the library

Classroom Resources to Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Find book recommendations, posters, bookmarks, stickers, and ways to show your support for banned books and freedom from censorship in the classroom.

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diverse students talking in a circle in school library

Starting a Book Club at School

Book clubs should celebrate reading! Here are ideas to get you started.

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What Do Students Want to Read? It Might Not Be What You Think

Move over Dog Man! Make room for nonfiction books.

NEA strives to make sure that every student has access to age-appropriate books that show they are reflected and respected, and opposes efforts to limit students’ access to such books. Nevertheless, NEA urges educators to comply with state and local laws and policies that may limit what books they may teach and recommend to their students.

Click on a month below for our recommended books, plus suggestions for discussions and activities.

August 2024

Compose Bonds

September 2024

Speak Up and Make Change

October 2024

Know Your Power

November 2024

Engage with Community

December 2024

Foster Confidence

January 2025

Find Your Way

February 2025

Pursue Passions

March 2025

Join In

April 2025

Share Your Poetic Voice

May 2025

Revel in Your Heritage

June 2025

Build Others Up

July 2025

Cultivate Compassion

“Diverse stories provide kids with different perspectives and help them see how others think and feel. Put reading to kids on your calendar all year round. Take NEA's Read Across America Diverse Books Challenge and help kids of all ages discover their own voices as they learn from the stories of others.”

Quote by: Marley Dias, Read Across America Ambassador 2021-23, and Founder, #1000BlackGirlBooks

Post this Take the challenge

Hear from Read Across America Authors

We've interviewed several authors on our School Me podcast. Donna Barba Higuera discusses El Cucuy is Scared, Too! and why she is so passionate about writing books that feature multiracial children, families, and identities. Wendy Shang, author of The Secret Battle of Evan Pao talks about why representation matters. Andrea Davis Pinkney, author of Loretta Little Looks Back: Three Voices Go Tell It, discusses the power of storytelling. And Duncan Tonatiuh, author of A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters, makes the case for the freedom to read.

Sign up to receive EdPractice, our monthly email packed full of advice, tips, and resources to help you be the best educator possible for your students.

Suggested Results

create & celebrate a nation of diverse readers

Foster Confidence

Piper Chen Sings

Simon B. Rhymin’

Black Girl You Are Atlas

Ready, Set...Read!

African American Authors Booklist

The “Multiverse” of the Science of Reading

Teachers! Learn about 2024's Top Starred Review Books for Class!

Classroom Resources to Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Starting a Book Club at School

What Do Students Want to Read? It Might Not Be What You Think

S&S Children’s Best Books of 2024

Here’s What We’re Reading...

Compose Bonds

Speak Up and Make Change

Know Your Power

Engage with Community

Foster Confidence

Find Your Way

Pursue Passions

Join In

Share Your Poetic Voice

Revel in Your Heritage

Build Others Up

Cultivate Compassion

Hear from Read Across America Authors

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About Read Across America

Join Our Community of Readers

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